A NEW service has been launched offering specialist mental health support to expectant and bereaved mothers across Hampshire.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is working alongside maternity units to provide a new dedicated Maternity Mental Health Service, offering mental health support to new, expectant and bereaved mothers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The new service is part of the NHS Long Term Plan to increase access to psychological support for women before, during and after pregnancy.

Following a 12-month pilot, Southern Health is one of the first Trusts in the country to deliver the Maternity Mental Health Service.

They will be one of 26 services nationally aiming to enable at least 66,000 women, nationwide, with moderate to severe mental health difficulties related to motherhood, access specialist care by 2023 to 2024.

Dr Hannah Wilson, Perinatal Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust we are delighted to deliver the Maternity Mental Health Services to new mums across Hampshire and IOW.

"We know historically, and nationwide, there has been a gap in pregnant women and new mums receiving the much needed specialist psychological support they need.

"We know the difference this is making to new mums and their families to be able to improve their lives for the better."

When referred to the Maternity Mental Health Service, mothers will be offered a range of psychological support including a tailored care plan that may include one to one support and / or group therapy sessions.

New, expectant or bereaved mothers can be referred to the Maternity Mental Health Service by their midwife, GP and other healthcare professionals.